Terry Peak Ski Resort in South Dakota’s Black Hills is a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and visiting iconic sites such as Mount Rushmore and the Lewis and Clark Trail. Terry Peak ski area is within the vicinity of the towns of historic Deadwood and Lead, and sits up at an impressive 7,000 feet—one of the tallest peaks aside from the eastern Rocky Mountains. This means tons of soft, powdery snow, snow-filled bowls, and generally excellent and stable conditions. Outdoor adventure within the area is easily accessible and while the ski hills dominate wintertime activities, warm-weather fun is also on the forefront around the Terry Peak Ski Resort.

Five- to seven-thousand-foot elevations ensure Terry Peak is covered in abundant snowfall each and every year, amounting to almost 300 inches. The Terry Peak ski area uses snowmaking services to blanket more than half its terrain in manmade snow, combining it with natural snowfall that ends in premium ski and snowboard conditions on all ski runs at the beginning, middle, and end of the ski season. The stability of conditions combined with all levels of slopes are the top reasons the mountain receives thousands of visitors each year. Open season begins one day after Thanksgiving and lasts well into March and sometimes even longer, weather permitting.

During the month of October, locals and visitors can snag up a season pass for half price. Like most other ski resorts, Terry Peak ski area also offers snowboard gear and ski equipment for rent at all times during the season. From Gold Run to Stewart Slope, beginner’s can ski and snowboard five trails marked specifically for amateurs. Intermediate riders can choose between nine mid-level runs while advanced skiers have twelve trails to choose between, each with fitting names like Ben Hur, Avalanche, Holy Terror, and Inferno. Five lifts, including doubles, triples, and quads, as well as a snow carpet, whisk skiers off to a multitude of mountain destinations. The Surprise Empress lift takes boarders and skiers to the Terrain Park, set on the Snow Storm trail and facing north. The freestyle park is completely closed off by fencing and enjoys both natural snow and snow-making services.

South Dakota Map

Lodging at Terry Peak cabins is one of the most worthwhile choices when enjoying ski vacations here. The ski-in, ski-out accommodations maximize time spent on the mountain, while also offering a host of great services and amenities. Ski-in, ski-out lodging is available by two intermediate runs and two advanced runs for a combination of four runs accessible via Terry Peak cabins. Incredibly convenient for meal breaks or just a break from a tough run, the cabins are laced with conveniences. A total of six homes are situated on Stewart Slope, a mid-range run ideal for families.

Within ten to fifteen minutes of Terry Peak, there are many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals available that require early booking for the winter ski season. Near to Terry Peak Lodge, centered in the Black Hills by Deer Mountain, is another solid alternative to Terry Peak cabins. Smaller sized condo units, a lobby with a fireplace, an indoor hot tub, sauna, and pool, games room, and plenty of nearby scenic trails are available for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.